Engadget notes that for the second time in seven months, a prototype “white spaces” device has failed testing at the hands of the FCC.
This time it wouldn’t stay powered on. Microsoft says the power issue is “unrelated to the technology points we’re trying to prove,” but the NAB called out it’s favorite attack dog, Mr 8-VSB.
“Unlicensed devices are not ready for prime time,” Dennis Wharton, NAB executive vice president (right), said in a statement. “This admission by ‘white space’ proponents vindicates beyond a doubt the interference concerns expressed by broadcasters.”
NAB “tries real hard to paint this as a failure,” said Ed Thomas, a Microsoft technology adviser and partner with the law firm of Harris, Wiltshire and Grannis. “But it’s not a failure because the device is operating just fine, thank you very much.”
According to Brian Peters, a spokesperson for the Wireless Innovation Alliance, “To be clear, the Microsoft device successfully tested both digital TV signals and wireless microphones, said “The problem with the device had to do with an unrelated power issue, not interference, and the testing was completed without a problem.”
The White Spaces Coalition (WSC) hopes to put the unused “white space” channels on the UHF band to good use, providing wireless broadband. The coalition includes Microsoft, Google, Dell, HP, Intel, Philips, Earthlink, and Samsung among others.
Many of the companies involved in the White Spaces Coalition are also involved in the Wireless Innovation Alliance which are working to unlock the potential that lies inside the “White Spaces” of Television spectrum.
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